**Alleged Uber Kidnapper Released Due to “Inconsistencies”: State Prosecutor’s Office**
An individual accused of kidnapping and assaulting an Uber driver has been released after being detained improperly, following a coordinated rescue mission by fellow Uber drivers on December 6, 2024. The victim, Ricardo Escribano, hopes justice will be served despite the release. “I just want the person responsible to pay for his actions,” Escribano expressed, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
According to Escribano, the suspected assailant, identified as Gael N., sent messages claiming he was sent for him, but Escribano is puzzled about how his number was obtained, as he has no personal issues with anyone. The Uber platform automatically selects the nearest driver for assignments.
Escribano, who has worked as an Uber driver for five years, recounted that on the morning of December 6, while picking up a passenger in Cañadas del Florido, he was assaulted and locked in the trunk of his vehicle. When he failed to end the trip in his WhatsApp group, colleagues quickly coordinated a search that led to his location, and they alerted the municipal police, resulting in Gael N.’s arrest.
On March 10, however, Escribano learned that Gael N. had been released due to legal inconsistencies. The process of examining the claims from victims and officers continues. The initial hearing on December 8, 2024, under Case Number 09250/2024 for illegal detainment, violent robbery, and vehicle theft had a judge deem the arrest illegal based on insufficient evidence, as stated by the State Prosecutor’s Office.
Escribano now enjoys protection from authorities as the case unfolds.
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**Secondary Article: Rising Safety Concerns for Ride-Share Drivers**
The recent case of an Uber driver’s alleged kidnapping and subsequent release of the suspect highlights growing concerns over the safety of ride-share drivers worldwide. With an increase in similar incidents, drivers and companies face heightened anxiety over security measures.
Industry experts suggest that ride-share companies implement more rigorous safety protocols, such as driver panic buttons and more comprehensive passenger background checks. These measures aim to create a safer environment for both drivers and passengers, as these platforms continue to be a vital part of urban transportation networks.
In response to safety concerns, some regions are adopting legislation to better protect drivers, illustrating a widespread demand for improved systems to ensure their well-being. Companies are encouraged to collaborate with authorities to develop and enforce these policies effectively.